Solar wings
the world's first solar-powered aircraft, Helios, successfully completed its 18-hour test flight over the Pacific Ocean on July 15, 2001. Helios, the unmanned aircraft of National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( nasa ) powered by 62,000 solar cells, reached an altitude of almost 22 kilometres (km) before descending. The craft took off on July 14, 2001, from the us navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. "We accomplished all of our objectives,' said John Hicks, nasa' s programme manager.
The us $15 million aircraft was jointly built by nasa and AeroVironment Incorporation of Monrovia, California. It was funded by nasa 's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology project.
Officials report that Helios' propulsion, avionics, environmental and flight control systems worked flawlessly during the flight. It took the craft about 10 hours to reach its maximum height. Engine temperatures reached a low of 32
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